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Updating Field-codes

Field-codes are calculated values, a little like formulas in Excel. They can be used to automatically number figure captions, cross-reference tables and insert document properties, for example. Unlike formula, Word’s field-codes are usually not updated automatically. In Word 2007 (and later), content controls linked to field codes appear to automatically update.

To update field-codes manually:

  • Choose Update all fields from the Template menu, if present
  • Select the whole document ( Ctrl + A ) and press F9 .
This won’t update fields in headers or footers, though
  • Choose Print Preview from Word’s File menu.
This will only work if Update fields is turned on in the Print page of the Tools → Options dialog.